Assistant Grower – Soft Fruit Breeding– Soft Fruit Breeding

Edward Vinson Limited; Hernhill; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation may be available

Job summary

Edward Vinson Breeding in Kent is seeking an Assistant Grower to join our Farm team. You will gain hands-on experience across strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries while supporting our breeding programme.

If you are passionate about plants and eager to learn, full training will be provided. Accommodation may be available and you may need to commute to Faversham. Expected start: 1 December 2026; deadline: 31 October 2026.

Qualifications

• Experience in horticulture or fieldwork welcome; full training provided.
• Passion for plants and willingness to learn.
• Ability to commute to Faversham or relocate.

Responsibilities

• Carry out daily crop checks and crop walking across breeding programme
• Collect irrigation data and implement fertigation strategies
• Maintain irrigation systems and support new projects
• Coordinate with external companies for IPM programme
• Work with Breeding Farm Manager and agronomist on crop protection and nutrition
• Assist with short- and medium-term planning and allocation of farm tasks and resources

Skills

Passion for plants

Driving licence

Communication skills

Practical problem solving

Computer literacy

Stamina for long periods in polytunnel

Weekend flexibility

English language skills

Authorisation to work in the UK

Willingness to relocate to Faversham

Tools

Tractor driving

Job description

Help us grow the berries of tomorrow

Edward Vinson Breeding is looking for a practical, curious and motivated Assistant Grower – to join our Farm team.

Working alongside the Breeding Farm Manager, you will gain hands‑on experience across strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries while supporting our globally recognised breeding programme.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is passionate about plants and keen to develop a career in commercial growing. Previous experience is welcome, but your enthusiasm and willingness to learn are what matter most. Full training will be provided.

What you’ll be doing

• Carrying out daily crop checks and crop walking across the breeding programme
• Collecting irrigation data and implementing agreed fertigation strategies
• Assisting with the maintenance of irrigation systems and supporting new irrigation projects
• Coordinating with external companies to deliver the farm’s integrated pest management programme
• Working with the Breeding Farm Manager and agronomist to deliver effective crop protection and plant nutrition programmes
• Supporting the short and medium‑term planning and allocation of farm tasks and resources

What we’re looking for

You may already have experience in horticulture or fieldwork, or you may be ready to take your first step into commercial growing.

• A genuine passion for plants and a desire to learn
• A full driving licence
• Good communication skills
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach to problems
• Confidence using computers and recording information accurately
• The ability to work on your feet for long periods in polytunnels and glasshouses
• Flexibility to work weekends and additional hours when required by the crops
• Good English‑language skills
• Existing authorisation to work in the UK
• The ability to commute to or relocate to Faversham

Accommodation may be available, subject to agreed terms.

Desirable experience

It would be beneficial, although not essential, if you have:

• Experience in the soft fruit industry or a similar environment
• Tractor‑driving experience
• Spraying qualifications
• Health and safety qualifications
• Previous staff‑supervision experience

Why join Edward Vinson Breeding?

Edward Vinson has been growing fruit in Kent for more than 150 years. Our breeding programme develops new commercial varieties for UK and international markets.

You will join a forward‑thinking business and a world‑leading breeding team, gaining valuable exposure to both commercial crop production and soft fruit breeding.

Application deadline: 31 October 2026
Expected start date: 1 December 2026, although an earlier start may be possible.